Experience Amsterdam with your private driver before you discover the vivid splendor of the tulip gardens of Holland in the springtime on this luxurious river barge cruise. Your captain will navigate the quaint canals and rivers, bringing you alongside small traditional Dutch communes, as well as lively cities with centuries of history. Visit bustling markets, and the colourful spring tulips as you make your way through Haarlem, Leiden, Delft, Zaandam, and Gouda- renowned worldwide for its cheese. See and taste the region as each six-night cruise includes all meals, selected domaine and chateau wines, an open bar, daily escorted excursions, local transfers and the use of all barge facilities including a fleet of touring bicycles.

Day 1:Amsterdam

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

Accommodation: NH Amsterdam Centre (4*)

The luxurious NH Amsterdam Centre Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Amsterdam. It is right across from the lively Leidse Square in the fashion and museum district, an area brimming with entertainment, dining, and nightlife options. Amsterdam’s characteristic canals and the city’s top museums are just a short stroll from the hotel, as is the exclusive “PC Hooft” shopping street and the Vondelpark, a sprawling urban green space. Each of the guestrooms offer a wide range of amenities, such as Wi-Fi internet access, coffee- and tea-making facilities, air-conditioning and a mini bar. The NH Amsterdam Centre hotel offers a relaxing Wellness Center and state-of-the-art fitness center, which are the perfect ending to your busy day. Indulge in a delicious meal at the Ristorante Sogno restaurant or enjoy a refreshing cocktail at the Lounge 'L.

Amsterdam

NH Amsterdam Centre

Day 2:Amsterdam

Today meet your private driver at your hotel for a half day tour. Drive through typical Dutch scenery and the picturesque town of Monnickendam to Volendam, a traditional old Dutch fisherman's village situated on the shores of the former Zuiderzee. Visit the semi-island of Marken, which in fact is not an island. Marken is a semi island since a dike connected the island with the main land in 1957. The picturesque harbor, the small wooden houses - some of them built on piles - and the little streets make the visit really worthwhile. It is possible to visit one of the little houses inside (small fee).

Continue to Volendam. Visit the fishing village of Volendam, walk along the old harbor, green wooden houses, souvenir shops and the eel smokers. Traditional costumes are still worn by many locals. At the end of the tour, arrival back at the hotel and end of the services of the driver.

Accommodation: NH Amsterdam Centre (4*)

Marken

Day 3:Amsterdam - Haarlem - Holland River Cruise

You'll be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Haarlem where your moored barge awaits you.

Once aboard, enjoy a Champagne welcome and an introduction to your crew and ship. Afterward, take some time to get settled in to your stateroom. Shortly afterwards we begin our cruise to Leiden, where we moor overnight. This evening your chef welcomes you to your table with the first of many delicious offerings. Candlelit crystal and gleaming silverware add to the romantic ambience of what promises to be the first of many memorable occasions.

Accommodation: Savoir Faire Barge (6N)

The 12-passenger Savoir Faire was built in 1932 as a Belgian transport barge. She was converted into a hotel barge in 1979 and was substantially refurbished for the beginning of the 2005 season. The air conditioned interior is unique with five separate areas for passenger enjoyment, whether for a personal retreat, a gathering at the on board piano or all passengers together enjoying each others company. The saloon, dining area, and bar are finished in mahogany, teak and brass and decorated with antiques and paintings collected over the years. Two spacious sun decks offer magnificent views of the countryside and bikes are provided for those who wish to explore further. Savoir Faire features six staterooms all of which are air conditioned and have en-suite facilities. Each can be configured with two twin beds or with one queen bed. All cabins offer good lighting, a large number of electrical outlets, and include 220v European standard and 110v U.S. standard power outlets. Internet access is also available. You will be attentively catered to by six English-speaking crew including the captain, deck hand, master chef, tour guide and two housekeepers.

Holland River Cruise

Savoir Faire

Day 4:Leiden - Holland River Cruise

This morning marks a cruising highlight: a walk through the Keukenhof Gardens, Holland's best-known garden park, with more than 100 acres filled with over 7 million flowering bulbs. You'll stroll through breathtaking waves of color on this unforgettable half-day excursion. Return to the barge for lunch followed by a cruise to Delft, famous for the blue and white porcelain which bears its name.

Accommodation: Savoir Faire Barge (6N)

Keukenhof Gardens

Day 5:Delft - Holland River Cruise

After breakfast you'll take a walking tour of the Royal Porcelain Factory, where beautiful hand painted ceramics are still made. You then take a stroll around the cobbled streets of Delft before joining the ship to begin your cruise through the busy port of Rotterdam and onto Gouda.

Accommodation: Savoir Faire Barge (6N)

Delft

Day 6:Gouda - Holland River Cruise

This morning your tour guide will escort you through the streets of medieval Gouda, where you will see the most famous of all stained glass windows in Holland. A leisurely stroll through town is a must, with its "Disneyesque" main square and small boutiques. After lunch you cruise through towns clinging to the canal sides to an overnight mooring at Uithoorn.

Accommodation: Savoir Faire Barge (6N)

Gouda

Day 7:Uithoorn - Holland River Cruise

Today you begin your cruise along the winding Amstel River into Amsterdam and then through the very heart of this enchanting city where small canals and unique architecture take you back to a bygone era. You can literally reach out and touch the passers by. Leaving Amsterdam you'll join the mighty North Sea Canal and head west towards the overnight mooring at Zaandam. After lunch your tour guide drives you to Zaans Schans with its clog maker and working windmills. There's even the first supermarket in Holland.

Accommodation: Savoir Faire Barge (6N)

Zaanse Schans

Day 8:Zaandam - Holland River Cruise

Your final cruise day takes you to Haarlem, a town of exceptional beauty with its main square, once used for jousting and the famous Frans Hals Museum. There will be plenty of time to enjoy this wonderful place and to shop around its many boutiques. Tonight, celebrate your company at the Captain's table with mouth watering offerings from your chef.

Accommodation: Savoir Faire Barge (6N)

Haarlem

Day 9:Haarlem - Amsterdam

After breakfast you'll disembark from your barge, and receive a 30 minute transfer to your hotel in Amsterdam.

A transfer from your hotel to the airport with a private vehicle and driver is provided.

Accommodation:

We can customize this private tour just for you. Any element can be tailored – activities, length, hotels and destinations. Call us at 1 888 903-2001 or request a quote.

Trip Terms & Conditions

Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.

Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary

Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.

Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.

Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions

Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

NH Amsterdam Centre (4*): Amsterdam

The luxurious NH Amsterdam Centre Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Amsterdam. It is right across from the lively Leidse Square in the fashion and museum district, an area brimming with entertainment, dining, and nightlife options. Amsterdam’s characteristic canals and the city’s top museums are just a short stroll from the hotel, as is the exclusive “PC Hooft” shopping street and the Vondelpark, a sprawling urban green space. Each of the guestrooms offer a wide range of amenities, such as Wi-Fi internet access, coffee- and tea-making facilities, air-conditioning and a mini bar. The NH Amsterdam Centre hotel offers a relaxing Wellness Center and state-of-the-art fitness center, which are the perfect ending to your busy day. Indulge in a delicious meal at the Ristorante Sogno restaurant or enjoy a refreshing cocktail at the Lounge 'L.

NH Amsterdam Centre

NH Amsterdam Centre Terrace

Savoir Faire Barge (6N): Holland River Cruise

The 12-passenger Savoir Faire was built in 1932 as a Belgian transport barge. She was converted into a hotel barge in 1979 and was substantially refurbished for the beginning of the 2005 season. The air conditioned interior is unique with five separate areas for passenger enjoyment, whether for a personal retreat, a gathering at the on board piano or all passengers together enjoying each others company. The saloon, dining area, and bar are finished in mahogany, teak and brass and decorated with antiques and paintings collected over the years. Two spacious sun decks offer magnificent views of the countryside and bikes are provided for those who wish to explore further. Savoir Faire features six staterooms all of which are air conditioned and have en-suite facilities. Each can be configured with two twin beds or with one queen bed. All cabins offer good lighting, a large number of electrical outlets, and include 220v European standard and 110v U.S. standard power outlets. Internet access is also available. You will be attentively catered to by six English-speaking crew including the captain, deck hand, master chef, tour guide and two housekeepers.

I just want to thank you for a wonderfully organized vacation and barge experience in France. We were pleased with every aspect of our vacation and will definitely recommend your company. We will also certainly recommend our exceptionally capable, pleasant guide in Paris. She was knowledgeable and fun to be with. I gave this trip a 10.

Luisa Currie — October 07, 2013 — Cruises

I just wanted to let you know that we really enjoyed our tour of St Petersburg. Our guide was very professional and knowledgeable yet flexible and fun. Using Kensington Tours for our shore excursions truly made our time in Russia the highlight of our vacation.

— October 07, 2013 — Cruises

I just wanted to let you know that we really enjoyed our tour of St Petersburg. Our guide was very professional and knowledgeable yet flexible and fun. Using Kensington tours for our shore excursions truly made out time in Russia the highlight of our vacation.

We can customize this private tour just for you. Any element can be tailored – activities, length, hotels and destinations. Call us at 1 888 903-2001 or request a quote.

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“I have traveled to Asia with Kensington Tours, and now Europe. My experience with you all has been just wonderful. The tour guides were awesome in every location, all the drivers, the pickups, the hotels exceeded my expectations. So thank you, thank you, thank you.”– Lesley E.